Exploring Hawaii's Big Island From Hilton Waikoloa Village To Volcanoes National Park
My wife and I have visited the Big Island of Hawaii several times, and each trip we've stayed at Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Kona side of the island. During our last two visits, we stayed in a Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) Suite and found it to be just as comfortable and well-appointed as our previous accommodations on Oahu.
One Suite overlooked the golf course and practically hung over a par 3 hole. We'd enjoy our morning coffee on the lanai while helping golfers spot tee shots that landed short of the green.
Golfers can also play any of the three nine-hole courses at Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf Course, where rental clubs are available.
Why We Keep Returning To Hilton Waikoloa Village
What makes this resort so great? For starters, it's close enough to the airport that an Uber or taxi won't break the bank. The number of ClubPoints required for a Studio Resort View Suite is also surprisingly reasonable.
Ocean Tower, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club features a quiet adults-only pool during the day. At night, though, the mynah birds take over. They gather on the roof and in the surrounding trees, creating quite a racket. We usually place a towel at the bottom of our door to soften the noise. While walking back to your room after dinner, you'll hear the birdsong letting you know they're there.
Getting Around The Resort
The resort has a tram that carries guests from one end of the property to the other. Yes, it's that big. Depending on the time of year, there may be two trams operating, along with a boat that travels the canal connecting different areas of the resort. The boat is a little slow. You could probably walk faster, but it's still worth doing at least once.
Beaches, Pools And Resort Amenities
Here’s something toremember: There is no naturaloceanfront sandy beach at theresort. Instead, you'll find a man-made lagoonwith a sandy beach that's especially popular with families and younger children.
When you check in, I recommend heading directly to the Ocean Tower rather than the main lobby. Just hop on thetram, and it'll drop youright outside the entrance. Another convenience is the coin-operatedlaundry facility located on everyfloor. We always take advantage of them so there'sless laundry waiting for us when weget home.
Dining At Hilton Waikoloa Village
The restaurants on the property are very good. We've eaten atNui Italian many times and have never had a bad meal. We've even grabbed a pizza, paired it with a bottle of wine, and enjoyed a relaxing evening in the room.
Big Island Breakfast at Water's Edge offers buffet and à la carte options, though breakfast can get expensive. For a more affordable option, Waikoloa Coffee serves coffee, muffins and other quick breakfast items.
Our favorite restaurant at the resort is Kona Tap Room. The menu has gotten smaller over the years, but it's still a great place to relax with a sandwich and a cold beer.
The Lagoon Grill is another favorite. Grab a table outside and watch the dolphins in Dolphin Lagoon, or even swim with them.
The resort also offers plenty of activities, including a luau with excellent food. We've attended before and had a great time. If rain moves in, the event simply shifts indoors. The Kona Pool features a swim-up bar for adults, while Kohala Pool includes waterslides for younger guests.
Shopping And Dining Near The Resort
Just outside the resort are Kings' Shops and Queens' Marketplace, both within walking distance, though it takes about 25 to 30 minutes to get there. The resort offers a shuttle for $5 per person each way, but we've found Uber can be a more affordable option.
Queens' Marketplace is home to an ABC Store that carries nearly everything you might need, from food and drinks to clothing and souvenirs. There's also a hot food counter serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One tip: Save your ABC Store receipts. They can be redeemed for items such as bags, coffee mugs and towels. We usually choose the bags and use them as gift bags for our souvenirs.
Favorite Restaurants On The Big Island
Tropics Ale House
Located within walking distance of the resort, Tropics Ale House is one of our favorites. The last time we visited Kona, we ate there two nights in a row.
My favorite meal is the BBQ Kalua Pork Hoagie. Delicious.
Lava Lava Beach Club
Lava Lava Beach Club is a bit further away but absolutely worth the drive.
Grab lunch right on the beach, listen to the waves and enjoy the view. It's one of those spots that perfectly captures the laid-back island atmosphere.
Exploring Hilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
No first trip to the Big Island is complete without visiting Hilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. If you're lucky, you may even catch Kīlauea erupting.
We've seen steam rising from volcanic fissures and completed a memorable hike through one of the park's craters. Feeling the heat from a fissure beneath your hand is an experience you won't soon forget.
Hilo feels like old Hawaii and offers a completely different atmosphere than Kona. An island tour is a great way to experience the area's history, culture and scenery, and don't miss the Hilo Farmers Market for fresh fruit and local treats.
A Meaningful Day With Shelter Dogs
Our favorite activity on the Big Island is visiting the Hawaii Island Humane Society and participating in its Field Trips for Shelter Dogs program, which allows visitors to take a shelter dog on an adventure for the day.
We've done it twice, even taking the same dog out both days. It was the most rewarding part of our vacation.
We spent our days hiking through the rainforest, walking along the beach, relaxing beneath a tree while sea turtles swam nearby and stopping at local cafés and a beer garden. Water for the dog, of course.
After our first outing, we bought her a few toys at Petco, and she proudly brought one along on the second day. The program provides a leash, a backpack, water, treats, toys and maps, making it easy to enjoy a memorable day together. We can't wait to do it again.
The Famous Banana Bread Stop
While out with our shelter dog, we visited a well-known banana bread stand. The drive is part of the adventure. Just when you think you've made a wrong turn, you spot the sign for The Banana Bread Spot.
Everything operates on the honor system. When we visited, a loaf cost $4, and the bread was still warm when we picked it up from a Yeti cooler. I should have bought more, because it disappeared quickly.
Big Island Sunset Cruises Worth Taking
Another experience we highly recommend is the Sunset Dinner Cruise with Body Glove. This was the best dinner we've ever had on a sunset cruise anywhere in Hawaii. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we booked it again the following year.
The historical narration is excellent, and every sunset photo looks like a postcard. If you're considering a sunset cruise on the Big Island, this one is hard to beat.
What Makes The Big Island Different
What makes the Big Island stand apart from Hawaii's other islands? Simply put, it's the landscape. At first glance, parts of the island look like freshly tilled farmland, but what you're actually seeing is volcanic rock. The darker the rock, the more recent the lava flow.
Two types of lava you'll often hear about are pāhoehoe (smooth) and ʻaʻā (rough and jagged). Legend says it's called “ʻaʻā” because that's what people yell when they step on it barefoot. Trust me, you don't want to test that theory. It's sharp enough to cut skin and even damage shoes.
Key Takeaways
Best Home Base For Exploring The Island: Hilton Waikoloa Village offers convenient access to golf, dining, shopping, beaches and many of the Big Island's most popular attractions.
Volcanic Landscapes Define The Experience: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park provides opportunities to see volcanic features, scenic overlooks and unique geological formations found nowhere else in Hawaii.
The Island Rewards Day Trips: Exploring destinations such as Hilo, local farmers markets and scenic coastal areas showcase the island's diverse environments and culture.
Unique Local Experiences Stand Out: Programs like the Hawaii Island Humane Society's Field Trips for Shelter Dogs offer visitors memorable ways to connect with the local community.
Dining And Outdoor Adventures Are Easy To Find: From beachfront restaurants and sunset cruises to hiking trails and wildlife encounters, the Big Island offers activities for a wide range of travelers.
FAQs
Q: What area of the Big Island is best for first-time visitors?
A: The Waikoloa and Kona areas are popular choices because they provide convenient access to resorts, dining, beaches, shopping and many of the island's top attractions.
Q: What are some recommended restaurants near the resort?
A: Tropics Ale House and Lava Lava Beach Club are two recommended dining options located near Hilton Waikoloa Village.
Q: Is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park worth visiting during a Big Island vacation?
A: The park offers volcanic landscapes, scenic viewpoints, hiking opportunities and the possibility of seeing volcanic activity depending on conditions.
Q: What is the Field Trips for Shelter Dogs program?
A: The Hawaii Island Humane Society allows visitors to take shelter dogs on daylong outings, providing exercise and enrichment for the animals while giving guests a unique island experience.
Q: What makes the Big Island different from the other Hawaiian islands?
A: The Big Island is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, diverse climates, active geological features and expansive terrain that varies significantly from one region to another.
